Inter Milan Leads Race to Sign Israeli Defender Anan Khalaily from Union Saint-Gilloise

Israeli defender Anan Khalaily is on the verge of completing a major transfer from Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise to a top European team, marking one of the most significant moves in Israeli football history. Khalaily was close to signing with Napoli, but the Italian club failed to reach an agreement with Union Saint-Gilloise. Inter Milan, the Serie A champions, have now entered the race with stronger financial resources, giving them an advantage over Napoli.

Italian reports indicate that Napoli plans to sell players before making new signings, which could delay their pursuit of Khalaily and benefit Inter Milan. The transfer fee is expected to break Israeli records, potentially surpassing the current highest fee of 16 million euros paid for Moanes Dabour. Union Saint-Gilloise, the Belgian club, is expected to leverage its position to maximize profits from the deal.

If the transfer proceeds as anticipated, Khalaily will join a prestigious club in one of Europe's top five leagues, leaving Union Saint-Gilloise after winning the Belgian championship. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Khalaily fits Inter Milan’s playing style as a fast player capable of covering ground and delivering crosses, potentially replacing Denzel Dumfries. The move is set to be one of the most high-profile Israeli football transfers of the summer.